Albuquerque Passes Tougher Bike and Pedestrian Safety Laws

New traffic code requires drivers to stop for bikers and pedestrians or face charges

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:49pm

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After the tragic death of her daughter Kayla Vanlandingham while bicycling, local mother Melinda Montoya successfully advocated for Albuquerque to update its traffic code for the first time in 50 years. The new laws require drivers to stop for bikers, scooter riders, and pedestrians crossing city streets, or face criminal charges if they don't and hurt someone. The city also approved an education program with commercials and new signage to raise awareness.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing need for cities to prioritize safety for all road users, not just drivers. Albuquerque's update to its outdated traffic laws comes after years of advocacy by Montoya and other community members following the preventable death of her daughter. The new requirements aim to protect vulnerable road users and reduce the number of tragic incidents.

The details

The updated Albuquerque traffic code now mandates that drivers must stop for bikers, scooter riders, and pedestrians crossing city streets. Failure to do so and causing injury can result in criminal charges. The city also approved an education program that will include public service announcements and new signage on billboards, bus shelters, and school campuses to raise awareness of the new laws.

  • Kayla Vanlandingham died while bicycling on Carlisle Boulevard last summer.
  • Albuquerque city councilors approved the traffic code update in 2025.
  • New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a companion bill into law in 2026 requiring new drivers to take at least 3 hours of training on safely sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists.

The players

Melinda Montoya

A local mother who lost her daughter Kayla Vanlandingham in a bicycling incident and has since advocated for improved road safety laws in Albuquerque.

Kayla Vanlandingham

Montoya's daughter who died while bicycling on Carlisle Boulevard in Albuquerque last summer.

Albuquerque City Council

The local governing body that approved the update to the city's traffic code to require drivers to stop for bikers and pedestrians.

Michelle Lujan Grisham

The Governor of New Mexico who signed a companion bill into law requiring new drivers to undergo training on safely sharing the road with non-drivers.

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What they’re saying

“I wish that there was actually an end in sight, I think this is, the beautiful start. I think it's now we all recognize that there's an issue and now there's a lot of opportunities to do more.”

— Melinda Montoya, Local Mother (kob.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing need for cities to prioritize safety for all road users, not just drivers. Albuquerque's update to its outdated traffic laws comes after years of advocacy by Montoya and other community members following the preventable death of her daughter. The new requirements aim to protect vulnerable road users and reduce the number of tragic incidents.